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Ontario First Time Home Buyer Incentive: All You Need to Know

The dream of becoming a homeowner is one that many Ontarians share, but coming up with the down payment and qualifying for a mortgage can be a significant barrier to achieving your housing goal. If you’re a first time homebuyer in Ontario, you may be eligible for the Ontario First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, which can help you with both of those hurdles. This blog post will explain what the first time home buyer’s program is, how it works, and whether it’s right for you.

What are first home buyer incentives?

The Government of Canada has introduced the First Time Home Buyer Incentive program to assist people nationwide in purchasing their first home. First time home buyer incentives are programs designed to help eligible first-time homebuyers with the upfront costs of purchasing a home by offering a shared equity mortgage. The program provides financial support for the down payment, which helps to lower the mortgage carrying costs. This, in turn, makes it more affordable for first-time buyers to achieve homeownership. Good news for those living in the Toronto, Vancouver, or Victoria Census Metropolitan Areas, the Qualifying Annual Income has been increased to $150,000, up from $120,000. Additionally, the total borrowing amount has been augmented to 4.5 times their qualifying income, an increase from 4.0. These adjustments are designed to make the dream of owning a home more attainable for Canadians in these areas. Confirm if the property you want is part of the Toronto, Vancouver or Victoria Census Metropolitan Area!

How does it work?

The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive is a shared-equity mortgage with the Government of Canada, which offers:

  • 5% or 10% for a first-time buyer’s purchase price of a newly constructed home
  • 5% for a first-time buyer’s purchase of a resale (existing) home
  • 5% for a first-time buyer’s purchase of a new or resale mobile/manufactured home

To qualify for the program, you must have a minimum down payment of 5% and a household earnings of under $120,000. The mortgage and incentive combined cannot exceed four times the total household income. The incentive is available in addition to other programs, such as the First-Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit and the Home Buyers’ Plan. The incentive is a shared-equity mortgage that requires no monthly payments. It’s estimated to lower the cost of homeownership by an average of $10,000 per homebuyer. After 25 years or once the home is sold, whichever comes first. The homebuyer can also repay the Incentive in full any time before, without a pre-payment penalty. By encouraging first-time homebuyers and making the purchasing process more affordable, this incentive helps Canadians take the first step towards homeownership. If you’re considering buying your first property, now could be a great time to take advantage of this program. It’s important to speak with a qualified mortgage broker and understand all of the details before you commit, but this incentive could help make your dream of owning a home become a reality.

First Time Home Buyer Programs – Is it right for you?

The Ontario First-Time Home Buyer Incentive can be an excellent way for first-time homebuyers to break into the housing market in Canada more easily. However, whether it’s right for you depends on your personal circumstances. If you have a high enough income that you could comfortably afford a higher down payment and monthly mortgage payments, you may not need the incentive. However, if you’re struggling to save for a down payment and would benefit from lower monthly mortgage payments, the incentive could be a lifesaver. Ultimately, you’ll need to consider your financial situation and long-term goals to decide whether the incentive is the right choice for you.

First Home Buyer Incentives – How do I Apply?

Navigating the process of the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive need not be a daunting task. Once you’ve secured pre-approval for your mortgage and identified your dream home, it’s time to ascertain your eligibility for the incentive. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to streamline the application process for you:

The First-Time Homebuyer Incentive is offered through both federally and provincially regulated lenders, including major banks such as TD Bank, RBC, CIBC and BMO. You can apply for the incentive directly with them or through a mortgage broker. If you’ve decided that the Ontario First-Time Home Buyer Incentive is the right choice for you, the application process is relatively straightforward. You’ll need to work with your mortgage broker or lender to apply. They’ll be able to verify that you meet the program’s eligibility criteria and help you complete the application. 

Download the House Programs for First Time Buyers

Download first-time-home-buyers-application-package-en

Download fthbi-sem-attestation-consent-form-en

  1. Initiate your journey by completing the two requisite First-Time Home Buyer Incentive application forms.
  2. Forward these completed forms to your lender, who will oversee the processing of your application.
  3. Upon receiving approval for your application, ensure the final signed version of the shared equity mortgage package is handed over to your solicitor for safekeeping.
  4. Before the closing date, connect with FNF Canada at 1-(855) 844-4535 to activate your incentive. Remember to share the details of your lawyer/notary, which will facilitate a seamless and hassle-free transaction.

By meticulously following these steps, you’re advancing towards your goal of homeownership. Remember, clarity and organization are key in this process, and as an expert in the field, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

 

First Home Buyer Incentives – Options for repaying

When a homebuyer participates in the Incentive program, they are required to repay the Incentive based on the market value of the home at the time of repayment. This amount is equal to a certain percentage (e.g., 5% or 10%) of the original home value used to determine the Incentive. However, there is a maximum limit to the repayment amount. If the home’s value has appreciated, the homebuyer will repay the Incentive amount plus a maximum gain of 8% per annum (not compounded) on the Incentive amount from the date of advance to the time of repayment. Conversely, if the home’s value has depreciated, the homebuyer will only repay the Incentive amount minus a maximum loss of 8% per annum (not compounded) on the Incentive amount from the date of advance to the time of repayment. The homebuyer has two options for repaying the Incentive: either after 25 years, or when the property is sold, whichever comes first. Additionally, the homebuyer can choose to repay the Incentive in full at any time before, without incurring a pre-payment penalty. Conclusion: The Ontario First-Time Home Buyer Incentive can be a valuable tool for first-time homebuyers in Ontario who need help with down payments and monthly mortgage payments. If you’re a first-time homebuyer with a household income of under $120,000 and a minimum down payment of 5%, this incentive could be a game-changer for you. However, it’s important to remember that the incentive is just one of many tools available to help you achieve your homeownership goals. Ultimately, you’ll need to consider your financial situation, long-term goals, and personal preferences to determine whether the incentive is right for you.

 

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Information for first-time Home Buyers

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 First Time Home Buyer

Are you a first-time home buyer? Learn more about the process of buying your first home in Ontario. Topics include How to Save for a House Down Payment | What to Know Before Buying a Home in Ottawa | Benefits of Getting Preapproved for a Mortgage | Understanding the Ontario First Time Home Buyer Incentive | Misconceptions about Incentives for First-Time Home Buyers in Canada | When is the Best Time to Buy a House | Condo and Townhouse Do you want to Know the Differences | Closing Costs when buying a House in Ontario | Understanding Home Appraisals | Road Map to Home Ownership | final walkthrough before closing checklist |

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Sandi-Branker-Zolo RealtyThe trademarks MLS Multiple Listing Service and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. REALTOR® members of CREA to effect the purchase, sale and lease of real estate as part of a cooperative selling system. The trademarks REALTOR, REALTORS and the REALTOR logo are controlled by CREA and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademark DDF is owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identifies CREA’s Data Distribution Facility (DDF). When searching for your next property or looking to sell your current one, it’s important to work with a trusted REALTOR® agent who has access to accurate and up-to-date listings. The MLS multiple listing service trademarks and the associated logo identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. and who are committed to providing professional real estate services within a cooperative selling system. In fact, working with a REALTOR® member of CREA ensures that you have access to the most current listings available. If you’re in the Ottawa area, working with a real estate board in Ottawa can also provide you with additional resources to help you make informed decisions about your buying and selling process. Trusting in the expertise of a REALTOR® agent and the resources of your local real estate board is crucial for a successful real estate transaction. Call or Text our real estate professional [email protected], (613) 408-7935. You can also click on the contact us link to send us an email. You can learn more about this real estate agent by visiting this link.

 

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CREA is an organization that represents real estate professionals across Canada. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by CREA and are used by members to identify real estate professionals. As a result, potential buyers and sellers can trust and rely on their experience and knowledge during the home-buying or selling process. CREA is diligent about upholding its standards of excellence, which is reflected by the quality of service provided by its members. Working with a REALTOR® who belongs to CREA ensures that you are working with a professional who is committed to delivering exceptional service and expertise. All rights reserved.  

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